Fire damages Palatine home

An early morning fire left significant damage to an unoccupied home in Palatine Wednesday.

The Palatine Fire Department reported to the house at 2775 S. Westwood Lane, in unincorporated Cook County, at 2 a.m. Wednesday.

A neighbor called in the fire in the Plum Grove Estates.

When firefighters arrived, they found flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear corner basement and first floor of the home.

Crews had to bring in water supplies since the area has no hydrants. The fire was under control by 3:14 a.m.

Battalion Chief Randy Freise said that since none of the four occupants was home, the fire had an opportunity to spread quite a bit before it was reported.

The basement, the furnace area of the laundry room and first floor suffered significant damage, he said.

"There was heavy heat damage throughout the whole structure," Freise said.

A cause is still being investigated. Damage is estimated at $360,000.

Fire officials are also reminding people about the importance of keeping fire hydrants clear of snow. If the hydrants aren't visible, time can be lost in fighting a fire.

Show should be cleared between the hydrant and the street and within 18 inches around the hydrant.